Post navigation

#001: How To Start An Internet Business From Scratch In 10 Steps [Podcast]

The Ray Edwards Show is a weekly podcast dedicated to Internet Business and Leadership, and Productivity. My goal is to help you succeed with your online business, and this show is for you, whether you’re a seasoned veteran who’s been online for years — or you haven’t even made your first dollar online! We can all reach for higher levels of success in business and in life!

Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Marketing: practical steps for selling more of your products, services, and ideas.

Leadership: the keys to leading yourself and others in a transformational way.

Productivity: tips, tools, and tactics to help you get more done in less time.

Writing: how to write for strategic influence.

Spiritual Foundations: keeping first things first.

Miscellany: freedom to talk about anything else I want.

My intention is to publish a new podcast each week on Tuesdays, along with an outline (or “show notes” like these.) While you will be able to listen or download episodes here on my blog, it will be much easier for you to subscribe in iTunes.

EPISODE OUTLINE

I share the “State of Ray Edwards International, Inc” – and why it matters to you. Current reality:

There are some significant changes now that we are operating in the “new economy”.

What’s different about the “new economy”? A few key points for freelancers and entrepreneurs – these must be understood and internalized:

The bubble has burst. Easy credit is gone. Houses of cards in the banking industry have come tumbling down. People have lost their jobs, their houses, their credit cards. The spending habits and market behaviors of almost all people have irrevocably changed, altered forever by the economic shift that took place recently. And if you’re waiting for things to get “back to normal”, this is your wake-up call… it’s never going back. This is the new normal. Get used to it. Adapt.

Competition is at an all time high. And thanks to Google it is easier than ever before to find all your competitors in a few seconds.

Nobody needs anything. In the Western World, even though we have experienced an economic shake up, we still have everything we need already. Yes, I know some people are in need and I am not ignoring them nor minimizing their needs – but I am also acknowledging that for most people, their needs are over-supplied. Do you have a roof over your head, clean water, and at least one meal per day? Then you are better off than most of the people in the world. To see how good you have it, check out how wealthy you rank in the world by clicking here.

What does all this mean? It’s time to review and evaluate how you do everything you do within your business or practice. Does it measure up? Is it effective? Does it produce profit? Is it the best possible use of your time?

I offer the following with this caveat: I’m still workin’ on it, and I don’t always follow the system perfectly. But each time I fall “off the wagon”, I get up, dust off my britches, and climb back on. So far it’s worked pretty well.

A “day in the life of Ray” is a busy one. Here are current projects I’m working on:
1. Private Client Copy Project. This was a big project, comprising 3 full video salesletters rewrites. This project was a beast in terms of time invested, but it was fun. And it paid well.
2. Private Consulting Client. This relationship translates to regular phone meetings, a small in-house launch every quarter or so, and reams of copy generated for upsells, ridealongs, retention, phone scripts, etc. This is a retainer + revenue deal, just like all my deals these days.

3. New Partnership.More info coming soon.

5. Writing Riches Member Site. This is a “coaching club” I run for those who cannot necessarily afford to hire me but who want to learn from my work, get me input, and receive training from me each month.

7. Three books in progress. One is a business book (first draft completed),one is a book for Christ-followers on the importance and power of forgiveness (first draft about 75% complete) (this book is being folded into the next one), and one is a book about achieving true, lasting success, called Taking Back Tomorrow.

8. Two monthly newsletters. I write one for my clients, and one for paying subscribers.

9. Workshops. I am planning a small, exclusive workshop in my offices this Fall. It will be me and four guests… and you’ll get my hands-on help with your project. Plus, my team will even build your site for you! This won’t be cheap – the price is probably going to be around $5,000. If you’re interested, please call my assistant Kathy at 509-624-2220 and let her know. Acceptance is not guaranteed, as this is not for everyone.
10. Copywriting Protege Program. My students write for clients who either (a) can’t get on my schedule soon enough or (b) can’t afford my fees. My team writes your copy, I critique the drafts for re-writes, and then I approve the final work that is delivered to you. This means we can deliver affordable copy that still receives my “touch”. (To inquire about a project, please submit your request here: http://RayEdwards.com/contact )

11. Coaching Program. This is a time vortex for me, but it is profitable and rewarding. Still “testing” the best format and pricing.

12. Info Products. Retooling, simplifying, and systemizing.

13. Podcast. Already covered this earlier.

HOW TO START AN INTERNET BUSINESS FROM SCRATCH IN 10 STEPS

I also discuss how anyone can start their own Internet Business and sell their own ideas and expertise, if they follow these 10 steps:

Research your market.

Buy your domain name.

Get hosting for your website.

Build a site with WordPress + a Premium Theme.

Create a Social Media “Wheel”

Build your list.

Drive traffic to your site.

Build a community.

Create solutions.

Monetize.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

I also answered these questions from my listeners.

“It would be great to have tips on how to choose a business that doesn’t require so much follow up tasks like emailing your list regularly, etc. How to set up systems you can leave running and check in once in a while.” Daniel Axelrod

“Want to start a health/wellness coaching business. Being able to gain clients around the world, have intergrated web-site and using media to change the health status of our country.” Marsha Warren Hays

“How to find someone to set up your site who will do a quality job for a reasonable price. I could never set up a WordPress blog and get it to look professional, so I went with something else. It’s OK, but I think WordPress would be better. I’d really like someone to teach me how to set it up myself.” Mila Clark

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I am also in the process of starting my own internet business and that’s why I’m checking out every single post of yours. Learning more, but will put into practice this afternoon. That’s the step I usually miss. Learn and then DO!

What They Say About Ray

“He is generous with his teachings and holds nothing back. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to sharpen your sword and let your genius copywriter within you come forth to make an impact on the web and in the world.”

Joel Comm br>
New York Times Best-Selling Author br>
Twitter Power, Ka-Ching, and The Adsense Code

“Highest integrity, a pleasure to work with… and fantastic work. I love working with Ray.”

Jeff Walker br>
Creator of Product Launch Formula

“The words ‘Ray Edwards’ and ‘World Class Copywriting’ have the same meaning to me. He is simply one of the best living copywriters today.”

Mike Filsaime br>
Internet Entrepreneur

“I do not lightly give recommendations or endorsements… my stellar reputation is on the line. But in the case of Ray Edwards, I can and will give him my highest recommendation, and say that if you’re a business owner looking for ways to increase your customer count, your profits, or your business efficiency, get in touch with Ray… he’s that good!”

Martin Howey br>
Topline Business Consultants

“Endlessly creative, Ray approaches everything with the superlative knowledge and skills of a master and the integrity of a saint.”

Ken McArthur br>
Best-Selling Author of Impact!

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ray Edwards on many projects, and I recommend him at every opportunity. ”

“Ray is one of the rare writers that knows both sides of the business and it shows in his results. If you are lucky enough to work with him you will see what I mean. Great stuff.”

Brian Johnson br>
Lifebook

About Ray Edwards

My name is Ray Edwards (in case you hadn't guessed that yet). I'm a copywriter and communications strategist, and I've had the privilege of writing for or working with some of the most powerful voices in leadership and business including New York Times bestselling authors Michael Hyatt, Jeff Walker, Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) and Tony Robbins. I'm also a speaker and author, and host a popular weekly iTunes Business podcast.